KS2 French commands and everyday French
classroom phrases are often taught at the very start of a foreign language
journey. This vocabulary is a great way to ensure pupils hear and practise
French often as it is a useful language that pupils can use every day. Lots of
routine repetition and the use of French in this context becomes a strong
communication tool for the pupils. Also, a set of vocabulary that can be easily
tied to active learning as pupils learn to give/understand instructions but
also to respond. The physical response used with the French classroom command
can make the learning experience more engaging for the pupils. This helps build
confidence after the first lesson and encourages natural language acquisition,
laying the foundations for more complex language learning.
What are the best Classroom Instructions to teach in French?
Think about
the classroom instructions you would normally use throughout the day and
translate them into French! A recommended 10 are shown below and are enough to
teach in one or two 45-60 minute lessons. This is to ensure there is enough
time for pupils to really hear the commands, understand the meaning, match to
an action, match to an image and then match to the written word.
Les
instructions (Classroom instructions/commands)
- Écoutez - Listen
- Écrivez - Write
- Lisez - Read
- Silence - Silence
- Répétez - Repeat
- Ouvrez vos cahiers
– Open your books
- Fermez vos cahiers
- Close your books
- Pensez - Think
- Demandez - Ask
- Levez la main - Raise your hand
Knowing which instructions to use can be tricky in French as the instructions should be in the imperative mood/form. The imperative form or mood, (l'impératif in French) is used to give commands, orders, or express wishes, like 'listen!' as seen in the examples above. The imperative is a very direct way to give an order. In French, there are two forms of the imperative that are used to give instructions or orders to somebody. These correspond to the ‘tu’ (you singular) and ‘vous’ (you plural) forms even though unusually for French, these personal pronouns are not used when giving the instruction. The examples above are assuming the instruction is directed at giving group instructions to the whole class so the plural form has been used. The only instruction that is slightly different in the examples provided is ‘silence’ as ‘Silence’ is not a conjugated verb but more like commanding to have silence.
How Do
You Teach Classroom Commands in French?
It is no
different to the way you would introduce other sets of vocabulary in French.
Ensure lots of clear, articulate oral modelling and choral repetition using
strong visual aids (flashcards/interactive slides) so that all pupils are clear
on the meaning of what they are learning. Each action should have a
corresponding image that is used throughout the process. If staff delivering
the lesson are not subject specialists, they should use a reputable SoW that
has professionally recorded native audio. In addition, staff should aim to use
an associating physical response as well as the foreign language repetition. An
action/movement along with the image helps to ensure pupils match what they
hear to what they will do going forward when they hear this
French classroom command. Ensuring pupils have lots of opportunity to hear
French instructions is always the starting point but other activities need to
be weaved in!
Always start with the image and audio before introducing the written word. Since French can be tricky phonetically, we do not want pupils reading what they see and applying their English knowledge of phonics before they hear the accurate pronunciation. There are sounds in French that do not exist in English. They need to hear the French pronunciation before they read it otherwise they will determine the pronunciation based on English phonemes. Once they have done this, it is very difficult to adjust and undo the errors and encourage the pupils to replicate the authentic French pronunciation they hear.
The Role
of Active Learning When Learning in Classroom Commands in French
Active
learning can also aid classroom management and develop pupils' social skills.
It caters especially to pupils that have shorter attention spans as pupils
discover and apply language forming stronger neural pathways.
They are
directly involved in the learning process and cannot just sit passively. Learn by doing!
Pupils will
be more engaged as it stimulates their development generally as it involves
more of their senses. They have to think critically and creatively. They are
having to match an audio to a physical movement and this almost puts them in
the role of the teacher. They need to listen and reflect and then act as
quickly as they can to perform the action. The new learning will be reinforced
faster and more effectively.
As some of
the activities will involve a pupil giving a classroom command in French and
another pupil reacting, active learning also encourages collaboration and
confidence in ‘working together’. Pupils will listen to each other calmly and
will pay more attention to personal space when performing the action. It simply
encourages them to stay focused in their learning and helps knowledge
retention. A deeper understanding makes learning more memorable and enjoyable.
The element of role play when teaching classroom commands is fun for the pupils – being the teacher is the best role of all!
Extra Teaching Strategies and Activities
French
instructions for kids can be easy and fun! Once pupils have heard the phrases
many times then teachers can introduce some fun follow-up activities.
1)
Play interactive games (bingo/what’s missing/drag & drop)
2)
Sing a great catchy song
3)
4) Move pupils to their desks to complete a range of desk-based activities
5) Play a game of ‘Simon Says’ using the classroom commands
Remember the age of the pupils and to keep everything fun and engaging!
